Common Inquries

• Where do I register to vote?
• Where is the Town Hall and what are the office hours?
• Who do I contact to find out about garbage and recycling pick-up?
• When does one need a building permit?
• If I am planning on opening a business, what must I do?
• Why do I need to pay my sewer bill and garbage bill if my house is a cottage, or for sale, and it is un-occupied?

Where do I register to vote?

Residents can register at the Town Hall, Monday - Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All that is necessary to register is proof of residency of 30 days and two pieces of identification (one must show a current address and one must have a photo).

Where is the Town Hall and what are the office hours?

The Town Hall is located along the eastern shore of Cedar Lake. The Street address is 7408 Constitution Avenue, phone 219-374-7000 for directions. The Town Hall is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday and the Clerk Treasurer's Office is open 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on Tuesday only. The Departments located at this address are Town Council, Clerk-Treasurer, Sewer Utility, Police, EMA, Town Manager, Planning and Building, Zoning, Unsafe Buildings, Storm water Board, Redevelopment Commission, and Park. The Public Works, EMS, and Fire Departments are located at other addresses in Town.

Who do I contact to find out about garbage and recycling pick-up?

Call the Sewer Utility Billing Department at 219-374-7000 to arrange changes to the sewer utility bill that includes garbage and recycling services. Questions and Complaints about the services provided by the contractor can be called to 219-374-7000 or Illiana Waste Services at 219-662-8600.

When does one need a building permit?

Most anything that costs over $100 needs a building permit. Permits are required for the following types of construction: additions, plumbing alterations, fences, new buildings, sheds, garages, signs, electrical alterations, decks, fireplaces, relocation of structures, site development and swimming pools. Also, landscaping fill permits over one foot deep, sewer tap connections, and culverts require review and permits. Call the Planning and Building Department at 219-374-7400 for more information and specifics. NOTE: all contractual construction work requires licensed contractors primarily for your protection, call for license and bonding information before work begins.

If I am planning on opening a business, what must I do?

Cedar Lake does not have business licensing. However, occupancy permits are needed in some circumstances. Call the Planning and Building Department for further information. NOTE: The State of Indiana has regulations governing tax key numbers, unemployment payments, and payroll taxes.

Why do I need to pay my sewer bill and garbage bill if my house is a cottage, or for sale, and it is un-occupied?

The Sewer and Garbage Utility system is based on the number of units in the Town. Subtracting the number of cottages, or the number of un-occupied units at any given time would affect the outstanding, current and future bond payments on the sewer system. Cedar Lake in 2004 will be completing the third phase of a 8 year program to upgrade the sewer system. The total expenditures for these improvements will be in excess of 8 Million dollars when completed. All of the bond payments are established on the total number of units present in the community to establish rates and fees.